Let's learn exactly about the inhaler used for breathing difficulties? (Bronchodilator)

Do you have difficulty breathing like asthma? Or have you seen someone in your family using an inhaler? Today we are going to talk about these medicines that make it easier to breathe, namely bronchodilators. Many people are afraid of these, but if you understand and use them correctly, these can be a great help in life.

Simply put, what is a bronchodilator?

Think of the airways that carry air to your lungs as tubes. When the delicate muscles around these tubes tighten, the space inside the tubes becomes smaller and it becomes harder for air to pass through. This is what happens in conditions like asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). That's when you feel like you're choking and your chest is constricted.

So, what this medicine called a bronchodilator does is instantly relax those tight muscles and widen the constricted airways (bronchi). Then it becomes easier for the lungs to take in and out air, and you can breathe more easily.

These medications mainly come in the form of inhalers and as a liquid administered through a machine called a nebulizer.

There are two main types of bronchodilators:

These can be divided into two main types based on how long they take to work. Your doctor will tell you to use one of these, or maybe both.

What are the main types of bronchodilators?

There are three main types of bronchodilators: beta 2-agonists, anticholinergics, and theophylline.

1. Beta 2-agonists

These come in both short-acting (SABA) and long-acting (LABA) types.

• Short-acting beta 2-agonists (SABA): These are the "rescue" medications used for sudden asthma attacks. They work within 15-20 minutes and provide relief for about 4-6 hours. They can also be used before exercise to prevent exercise-induced asthma. Examples: `Albuterol (Ventolin®)`, `Levalbuterol (Xopenex®)`.
• Long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABA): These are taken about twice a day and help keep the disease under control. They are usually given together with a corticosteroid, a type of medicine that reduces swelling in the airways. Examples: `Salmeterol (Serevent®)`, `Formoterol (Foradil®)`. There are also inhalers that combine both, such as `Advair®` and `Symbicort®`.

2. Anticholinergics

These block the action of acetylcholine, a chemical produced by our nervous system. This acetylcholine is what signals the muscles around the airways to tighten. These medications are used for long-term control of difficult-to-control asthma, rather than for immediate relief. Examples: `Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent®)`, `Tiotropium bromide (Spiriva Respimat®)`.

3. Theophylline

It comes in the form of a pill (`Uniphyl®`). Although it helps control severe asthma attacks, it is no longer widely used. When taking this medication, you will need to have regular blood tests to make sure you have the right amount of medication in your blood.

What are the side effects of this?

Side effects may vary depending on the type used. However, not everyone gets them, and even if they do, they usually go away after a few days.

Is a bronchodilator a type of steroid?

No. These are two completely different types of medications.

Simply put, bronchodilators relax the muscles in your airways. Steroids reduce inflammation in your airways. Because both of these processes occur in diseases like asthma, your doctor may recommend that you use both of these medications together.

How to use the inhaler correctly?

To get the full benefit of the medicine, it is very important to use the inhaler correctly. Follow these steps.

1. Close the inhaler cap tightly and shake it well about 10-15 times.

2. Open the lid.

3. Take a deep breath in and exhale completely.

4. Place your lips around the mouthpiece and hold it firmly.

5. Press the inhaler down once. At the same time, take a deep breath in through your mouth.

6. If you hear a whistling sound when you inhale, it means you are breathing too fast. Take a few deep breaths.

7. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds. This is when the medicine reaches every nook and cranny of your lungs.

8. Repeat these steps for the number of puffs recommended by your doctor. Leave about a minute between each puff.

9. When finished, close the lid again.

10. Important: If you are using an inhaler containing a steroid (corticosteroid), rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after using it. This can greatly reduce side effects.

When should I see my doctor?

If you develop new symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, or wheezing, be sure to see a doctor. He or she can perform pulmonary function testing to determine your exact condition.

And there is another important thing.

If this happens, don't ignore it. See your doctor right away to discuss whether you need to change the dosage or type of medication you are taking for long-term control of your condition. Always follow your doctor's medication plan exactly.

Bronchodilator, inhaler, asthma, shortness of breath, respiratory disease, COPD, lungs